Microplastics – tiny fragments, big problem

MPs on the cross-party Environmental Audit Committee have recommended a ban on plastic microbeads used in cosmetics and toiletries, following a report published this week.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles which can pollute the ocean. They come from sources including personal care cosmetic products, the breakdown of large plastic waste, and synthetic fibres from clothing.

PML scientists fed into the report ‘Environmental impact of microplastics’ providing evidence to the parliamentary inquiry, based on ongoing research to increase understanding and assessment of the risk that these plastic fragments may pose to organisms at the base of the marine food web.

Dr James Clark, a Marine Ecosystem Modeller at PML said: "While microbeads used in cosmetic products may represent a small fraction of the total amount of plastic entering the marine environment, banning their use is a good first step that demonstrates an awareness of the problem.

"Ultimately, we also need to reduce the amount of plastic entering the oceans from other sources. Improvements in product design and waste management practices, and the application of circular economy principles to plastic use would all help to achieve this.

"Here at PML we are working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on a New Plastic Economy Initiative, funded by the People's Postcode Lottery, to rethink the future of plastics."

As cosmetic microbeads are only one part of the wider issue of microplastic pollution, the Committee also recommended via the report that the Government draw up a plan for assessing and tackling the microplastic pollution more broadly.

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Further Information

For further information on the New Plastic Economy Initiative please click here.

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